Feisty females build vibrant lives in ‘Little Women’

Corey Mills feels a special connection to “Little Women—The Musical.” “It’s a story that’s pretty close to my heart,” the director said. “It features strong women and I was raised by my mother and grandmother who, like Jo, went out and did whatever they needed to for the people that they love.”

Bayside’s principal goes bad in ‘Breaking Belding’

Mr. Belding transforms from compassionate, rule-following high school principal into a crazed drug lord in “Breaking Belding.” Written by Pete Mandra, the “Saved by the Bell” meets “Breaking Bad” hour-long parody opens Saturday at Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre.

Writers’ takes on dance with ‘Sweet Charity’

Some girls can’t catch a break. Take the case of Charity Valentine who works as a dance hall hostess while she searches in vain for a man to change her luck.

‘Yo Gabba Gabba!’ pays a visit

Californian Christian Jacobs had nothing against the purple dinosaur. It was a harmless character his oldest daughter was watching on television ten years ago… and it kept her happy.

Acting is real thrill of ‘The Letters’

“The Letters” is an example of truly exceptional performances in the service of a script that’s not always on the level of the acting.

Directed by Kimberly Senior at Glencoe’s Writers’ Theatre, the two-person piece is something of a political thriller. The trouble is, playwright …

Father, son share talent and a stage

Andre’ Teamer’s relationship with his 13-year-old son Destin changes when the two actors are in a play together.

“When we’re in rehearsal, I’m not ‘Dad,’” Andre’ said. “We’re actually peers and we have to work together. I have to give him the same respect I …

Dickens’ ‘Carol’ goes happily off-key in ‘Bah, Humbug!’

The panto is on again. For the 12th year in a row, Piccolo Theatre is borrowing a British holiday tradition and diverting audiences with a cheery, if offbeat, entertainment known as a panto (short for pantomime).

Two actresses fill a hole in ‘Donuts’

You can expect arresting performances from two north suburban natives in Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.’s remount of “Superior Donuts” at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre.

Cut it out ... there really is a ‘Full House’ musical

Katie Johnston-Smith, one of three co-writers of “Attend the Tale of Danny Tanner: A Full House Musical,” says that the parody show appeals to her inner child.

Second City buddies star as ‘Odd Couple’

They’re a couple of old pals, playing, well, a couple of old pals. Second City alums George Wendt and Tim Kazurinsky have “come home” to star in Neil Simon’s classic comedy, “The Odd Couple,” which begins previews Nov. 2 at Northlight Theatre. The duo recently chatted about comedy, friendship and politics.

‘Chekhov Shorts’ are always good for a laugh

Laughs don’t always stand the test of time.

But the Old World Theatre Company will rely on a master of laughable moments as it presents “Chekhov Shorts: An Evening of Comedic One Acts” at Skokie’s Congregation Kol Emeth weekends, Nov3-18. through Nov.

“For the audience, …

Go ‘Backstage’ to sample Evanston arts

Evanston is a very entertaining place. You can get a taste of the variety of performance companies that call that city home during BackStage Evanston, Sunday, Sept. 30 in the Ethel M. Barber Theater at Northwestern University. Seventeen music, theater and dance organizations will perform …

Meet the women of Shakespeare

It’s easy to figure out who wrote the script and cast the roles for “Shakespeare’s Female Women” at Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre. Alicia Queen plays the main character, who is embarking on a journey. Ever Mainard plays the 131 characters that she meets along the …

Set designer is having a banner year

By all rights, Chicago-based theatrical set designer Kevin Depinet should be lounging on a beach somewhere, recharging after a year of living in creative overdrive. But he is not.

Instead, when we chatted recently, he was nursing some painful dental surgery and speaking animatedly about …

Writers’ Theatre in Glencoe energized by ‘Hamlet’ cast

“When you put together a brilliant actor and a great play, it attracts other great actors to the project,” says Michael Halberstam, artistic director at Writers’ Theatre in Glencoe.

He should know. That happens with some regularity at Writers,’ and looks to be happening again …